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The Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind brochure provides an in-depth look at Scotland’s rapidly expanding offshore wind sector, highlighting its role in the transition to renewable energy and the various career opportunities on offer. The brochure is accompanied by two Annexes that provide further detail on job roles and education and training pathways in offshore wind.
Click for access: Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind
Key Highlights
Growth and Impact
Offshore wind is central to Scotland’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The sector is set for substantial growth, with the workforce expected to increase from around 9,000 in 2024 to over 40,000 by 2029. Peak installation will take place over the next 10 to 20 years, but wind farms will continue operating well into the latter half of the century. By 2050, offshore wind could contribute around 50% of Scotland’s renewable energy (45.6GW).
Diverse Career Opportunities
The brochure outlines a wide array of roles across different project stages, including planning and development, manufacturing and fabrication, installation and commissioning, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning. Roles are available across several job families, including, for example, project management, construction, engineering, manufacturing, data and communication, and operations and maintenance. Demand is high for both vocational skills (e.g., electricians, welders, and maintenance technicians) and professional qualifications (e.g., engineers, project managers, and environmental scientists).
Notably, oil and gas workers have strong skills transferability to the offshore wind sector, making it an attractive alternative career path.
Regional Opportunities
Scotland has 46 offshore wind projects at various stages of development, including those which are operational, and several ScotWind leased sites which are in planning or in the pipeline, creating opportunities across multiple regions around Scotland’s coastline. The guide provides a snapshot of these projects and outlines where job demand is highest regarding the roles available across a project lifecycle, helping individuals to identify career opportunities in different locations.
Educational Pathways and Skill Development
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills are important for a successful career in offshore wind. The brochure encourages young Scots to engage in relevant educational programmes and apprenticeships to prepare for the sector. It also highlights skills gaps and shortages in key areas such as project development, engineering, data and communications, and operations and maintenance, emphasising the need for more trained professionals.
Long-Term Career Prospects
Offshore wind offers sustainable, long-term careers, with many roles spanning multiple project stages. The growing industry provides stability, career progression, and high earning potential, making it an attractive option for those looking for a future-proof career.
Conclusion
The Career Opportunities in Scotland across Offshore Wind brochure serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to understand and take advantage of the growing career opportunities within Scotland’s offshore wind industry. With the workforce set to more than quadruple by 2029, now is the time to explore the pathways available in this fast-growing sector.